If you know ten families with children, then it is more than probable that at least one of those families has a child with special needs.
What makes them exceptional may not be “obvious”, such as in the case of cerebral palsy, but a hidden disorder that may go unnoticed until kindergarten or later.
In fact, one of the most pervasive disorders that impacts children of school age is SLD– Specific Learning Disabilities.
Some may consider SLD as an overgeneralization and call it “dyslexia”. But in truth, SLD is a bit more complicated than that!
Children with SLD manage very well on the playground, but it is at home during homework time or in school, where you start see the confident child unravel.
How to identify a child in your family with SLD? Diagnosis of a learning disorder is complex and often multi-tiered. Schools will try to implement RTI which means Response to Intervention programs. Here techniques and modifications may be used in the classroom to help bolster a child’s skill, including if there is a problem with attending or organization.
If after a considerable time and intervention little to no change is noticed, then a referral for a psycho-educational assessment is usually warranted and conducted.
What happens if a child is found to have an assessment profile indicative of SLD? Then the multi-disciplinary team that also includes the parents, will come out with a plan of action. Sometimes it is to implement monitoring and modifications based on results while other students may require more intensive programming.
So, when your child has a play-date and you notice his one friend is more of an “outdoors” kid versus a sit and play a board game type- you may have a “1 in 10” child in your midst. As preferring motoric play to games that involve reading or math skills may not be favored by the child with a learning disorder.
And, if you think your child may be struggling more than his/her peers in school , don’t hesitate to ask for a team meeting to try to figure our a solution.
About the author:
Louise Sattler is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, owner of SIGNING FAMILIES, Disaster preparedness specialist and social media expert. Please connect with her via SIGNING FAMILIES or 411 VOICES.
As a mom of two with special needs, I really enjoyed reading this. I also started following SIGNING FAMILIES since my oldest also has auditory neuropathy. Thank you for sharing!
Good call Chantale! Louise of Signing Families knows her stuff and is a valuable resource on special needs.
This is a great post, because we may just think our child is “over the top” and not know the signs of something that could be treated. Thank you!
I have just put a call in for testing. Sigh.
Let the rollercoaster begin!
Stay strong. Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
it’s amazing that so many problems are being recognized and diagnosed now
I had a child with a learning disorder but with intervention he graduated high school. He is now serving in the Navy.
Way to go Tara! I have no doubt that your committment, attention and devotion helped your child succeed in life in spite of his learning disabilities.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia when i was young, and they taught me how to compensate for it.. i apply those methods today still.
Good for you! You have been able to thrive in spite of a learning disability.
What an informative eye opening article about what issues your child may be having in the classroom!
This is why it is so important to regularly sit with your child and read and make homework a team effort so you can pay attention and recognize changes
You are so right Erinn. I really put a lot of credance to a mom’s intuition in my medical practice.
I struggle with some of the same things. One of the reasons why I homeschool my children so they can get a one on one.